History repeats itself but in subtle ways. Look at the crusades, England fought a religious war against the Islamic people because they believed that Christianity was 'the right religion/proper one' and that they should regain control of that area because the Muslims were tainting it, there are a slew of reasons for them but (in my opinion) that was the predominant reason. Lets hop back towards present day. Currently we are in a pseudo war with ISIS, a 'muslim' (there really not even muslim but for the sake of the example lets say they are pseudo muslim) terrorist group. We're fighting for a different reason but whats the one common factor. The war is fueled by religion, and it is Christians Vs. Pseudo Muslim Terrorist group. See the relation.
As for the quote, a lack of knowledge can create a simplistic basic mindset, much like the one of a child. When you lack understanding, you lack empathy and many other emotions, much like a child. It depends on Cicero's definition of a child but in essence it is correct.